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Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of the sarcastic Chandler Bing on the iconic TV series “Friends,” had a profound desire to be remembered for something beyond his on-screen character.
In the realm of entertainment, certain shows and films become so beloved that their characters and actors are forever etched into the fabric of pop culture. The six stars of “Friends” undoubtedly fall into this category. Despite their diverse accomplishments in life and careers, they will always be those six friends navigating the ups and downs of life in New York throughout the ’90s and early ’00s. This is why the loss of Matthew Perry hits particularly hard for so many, as his Chandler Bing became an integral part of the lives of countless viewers.
Nevertheless, Matthew Perry himself had a different aspiration; he hoped that his work on the NBC juggernaut would not define his lasting legacy. It’s essential to note that this wasn’t due to a lack of pride in his contributions to the show or his time spent on set. His heartfelt speech during the “Friends” reunion about the profound bond shared among the six stars and the significance of the show’s soundstage attested to his deep connection with the series.
In a recent interview with podcaster Tom Power last year, Perry disclosed what had become the most meaningful aspect of his life. He stated, “The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say ‘yes’ and follow up and do it.” Perry had wrestled with substance abuse issues throughout much of his life, even during his time on “Friends.”
Ultimately, it was his dedication to sobriety and his mission to assist others in overcoming addiction that held the most significance for him. Perry had been a staunch advocate for drug courts, striving to ensure that non-violent addicts receive help rather than prison sentences.
The actor had candidly shared his struggles and journey in recent years, using humor and heartfelt storytelling in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” which centered on his own experiences. He found empowerment in speaking with individuals facing similar challenges and making a positive impact in their lives. Perry expressed the profound satisfaction he derived from helping others, describing it as a spiritual experience that filled his heart when he witnessed someone undergoing a transformative journey.
Matthew Perry fervently declared his desire for his legacy to be defined by his efforts in the realm of addiction and recovery rather than his role in “Friends.” He was determined to prove this throughout the remainder of his life.
On Saturday, the comedian was found dead at his Los Angeles residence. First responders were called for a cardiac arrest, and Perry was discovered in a jacuzzi. No drugs were found, and foul play is not suspected in his passing.
You can listen to his full interview with Tom Power below.
